Frommer's Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks

by Laine, Don; Laine, Barbara

• ISBN13: 9781118118030
• ISBN10: 1118118030
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-02-28
• Publisher: Frommers

Summary

Frommer's Complete Guides America's #1 bestselling travel series More full-color guides than ever before Foldout maps in annual guides Outspoken opinions, exact prices, and insider tips

Author Biography

Residents of northern New Mexico since 1970, Don and Barbara Laine have traveled extensively throughout the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest, spending as much time as possible in the outdoors, and especially in the region’s national parks and monuments. They have written Frommer’s guides to Utah, Colorado, and the National Parks of the American West. The Laines have also authored Little-Known Southwest, New Mexico & Arizona State Parks, and Best Short Hikes in Arizona for The Mountaineers, and The New Mexico Guide for Fulcrum Publishing.

Table of Contents

List of Maps vi

1 INTRODUCING ZION & BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 1

The Best of Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks 4

A Look at Zion 12

A Look at Bryce Canyon 14

2 EXPLORING ZION NATIONAL PARK 17

Essentials 17

Tips from a Park Ranger 22

The Highlights 23

Seeing the Park in 1 or 2 Days 26

Seeing the Park by Car & Shuttle 27

Historic & Man-Made Attractions 29

Ranger & Educational Programs 31

Guided Tours 32

Especially for Kids 32

3 HIKES & OTHER OUTDOOR PURSUITS IN ZION NATIONAL PARK 34

Day Hikes 35

Exploring the Backcountry 46

Biking & Mountain Biking 51

Other Sports & Activities 52

4 WHERE TO STAY, CAMP & EAT IN ZION 55

Where to Stay 55

Camping 62

Where to Eat 64

5 EXPLORING BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK 68

Essentials 68

Tips from a Park Ranger 70

The Highlights 72

Seeing the Park in 1 or 2 Days 74

Seeing the Park by Car 76

Seeing the Park by Shuttle 77

Historic & Man-Made Attractions 78

Ranger & Educational Programs 78

Guided Tours 79

Especially for Kids 79

6 HIKES & OTHER OUTDOOR PURSUITS IN BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK 80

Day Hikes 80

Exploring the Backcountry 86

Other Summer Sports & Activities 89

Winter Activities 90

7 WHERE TO STAY, CAMP & EAT IN BRYCE CANYON 92

Where to Stay 92

Camping 97

Where to Eat 100

8 NEARBY THINGS TO SEE & DO 103

Gateway Towns 103

Dixie National Forest 105

Cedar Breaks National Monument 108

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument 112

Kodachrome Basin State Park 118

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park 120

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park 122

Snow Canyon State Park 124

9 A NATURE GUIDE TO ZION & BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 127

Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Today 127

The Landscape 129

The Flora 131

The Fauna 138

The Ecosystem 151

10 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO ZION & BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 153

Getting There 153

Getting Around 156

Exploring the Parks by RV or "Car-Camping" 159

Tips on Accommodations 160

Package & Adventure Tours 162

Tips for Travelers with Pets 163

Health & Safety 164

Protecting the Environment 165

Fast Facts: Zion National Park 165

Fast Facts: Bryce Canyon National Park 174

Index 178

Accommodations Index 184

Restaurants Index 184